2017 Kia Sorento

Kia attempts to cover two markets with one crossover.

Overview: The 2017 Kia Sorento attempts to cover two markets with one entry, going after the competition’s five- and seven-passenger mid-size crossover SUVs alike. With comfortable seating for five, the four-cylinder Sorento L, LX, and EX models set their sights squarely on vehicles such as the Ford Edge and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. A naturally aspirated, 185-hp 2.4-liter engine is standard on both the $26,295 L and the $27,595 LX. The brand’s 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is exclusive to the $32,395 Sorento EX. In all Sorentos, torque is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Sorento L is front-drive only, all-wheel drive can be added to all other trims for $1800.

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The LX opens the option to add third-row seating at a cost of $1490; however, buyers also will need to check the box for the $1800 LX Convenience package, which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamps, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more.

Otherwise, those seeking a Sorento capable of carrying seven passengers will have to opt for the crossover’s 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Available on the LX for $2290 and on the EX for $1600, the V-6 and its standard third row are the sole powertrain and seating configuration offered in the $39,495 Sorento SX and on the high-end Sorento SX Limited (also called SXL) trim, starting at $44,795.

Although we rank the Sorento against other five-passenger, mid-size crossover SUVs due to its standard two-row seating, the Kia’s available third row is comparable to those found in seven-passenger competitors such as the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Santa Fe. In fact, the Sorento’s rearmost seat offers more headroom and legroom than the nearly half-a-foot longer Santa Fe’s, although the Santa Fe has more cargo space behind the third row.

For this review we drove an all-wheel-drive 2017 Kia Sorento SXL that rang in at $46,595 as tested.

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What’s New: The Kia Sorento enters 2017 with a modicum of changes, the most significant of which affect the top-of-the-line Sorento SXL. No longer available with Kia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the SXL is now a V-6–only affair. The flagship trim also sees its price rise by $4000, although last year’s $2500 Technology package is now standard equipment. As such, all SXL versions are equipped with HID headlights (which now swivel to follow steering inputs), a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and an electric parking brake.

New for 2017 is an automated-emergency-braking system. Standard on the SXL, this safety feature is bundled into the Advanced Technology package in the LX and SX and into the Advanced Touring package in the EX. Other changes are highlighted by the addition of Kia’s new UVO3 infotainment system. UVO3 is unavailable on base L models, optional on the LX, and standard on all other trim levels.

What We Like: As the keepers of a long-term 2016 Kia Sorento SX, we’ve spent plenty of miles behind the wheel of Kia’s mid-size crossover. Fortunately, like the 2016 Sorento, the 2017 model is refined. Exterior noise is well suppressed—our long-termer is seven decibels quieter than the new 2017 Audi Q7 at idle—and front-seat comfort is outstanding. Meanwhile, the Sorento’s available V-6 and EX-exclusive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offer ample torque; in addition, the six-cylinder AWD version is rated to tow 5000 pounds when properly equipped.

What We Don’t Like: Rather than perfecting one power-steering system, Kia chose to develop two: L, LX, and EX models have their power-assist electric motor mounted on the steering column, while SX and SXLs have theirs mounted on the rack. Neither system provides much in the way of feedback to the driver. Also bothersome is that access to the rearmost row is designed to be available only from the right side of the vehicle, as the left portion of the 60/40-split second-row seat doesn’t offer an easy entry/exit function—when parked on the street, though, the passenger side is the safer side for kids to be jumping into and out of the car. Some shoppers also may struggle to wrap their heads around our test car’s near-$47,000 as-tested price, even if the Sorento’s build quality and feature content are equal to or better than similarly priced competitors.

Verdict: Whether you’re shopping for a five- or seven-passenger mid-size crossover SUV, the 2017 Kia Sorento needs to be on your shortlist.